You’ve heard of New Zealand as the land of Kiwis, and maybe you’ve even seen the Lord of the Rings movies, but what does New Zealand look like, exactly? Is it possible to immigrate to New Zealand from Mexico or Japan? What visa options do you have? How long does it take to get permanent residency in New Zealand? Here’s everything you need to know about immigration to New Zealand from either Mexico or Japan.
Applying for a Visitor Visa
According to the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, any person wanting to visit New Zealand may do so without applying for a visa if they intend to stay in New Zealand for less than three months. If you are traveling from Mexico or Japan and wish to stay more than three months, however, you will need a Visitor Visa. To apply for a Visitor Visa you must be a citizen of Mexico or Japan. In addition, those who are planning on immigrating or becoming permanent residents of New Zealand may not apply for an electronic visa. This can only be done by visiting an official government office in person. New Zealand Visa for Japanese Citizens
Working Holiday Scheme
If you’re a young adult (between 18-30 years old) from Mexico or Japan, you might be eligible for a Working Holiday Scheme visa. What is it? It’s exactly what it sounds like: A holiday while working. If accepted, you’ll get a 12-month visa that allows you to work in New Zealand with no restrictions on where or how much you can earn. Sounds pretty perfect… but there are rules to follow (we told you there was no magic wand). To qualify for one of these visas, New Zealand requires that applicants demonstrate proof of sufficient funds (NZ$4,200 per person or NZ$7,400 per couple). The program requires at least three months of savings; your bank statements will be part of your application.
Student Visas
To be eligible for a student visa, you need to be accepted by an approved educational institution. You will also need to prove that you have enough money in your bank account, or someone else’s bank account, that can provide financial support throughout your study period in New Zealand. The amount of money you need is determined by Immigration New Zealand; it changes on a regular basis but is currently set at around NZD$50,000. The remainder of your costs must be paid by you or another party before you arrive in New Zealand. In order to apply for a student visa with us, we require full documentation proving an acceptance letter from an approved university or tertiary provider. New Zealand Visa for Mexican Citizens
Partner Visas
There are several visas that allow you to bring a spouse or partner with you when you move. If you’re a Mexican citizen planning on moving to New Zealand, there are quite a few things that will determine if your partner is eligible. Before applying, it’s important that you know how long your visa will be good for. This will help give both of you an idea of how long your partnership needs to last before she can apply as well. New Zealand allows partners who have been married at least two years, or those in de facto relationships lasting at least one year, to move with their partners if they’re
Business Visas
New Zealand has a number of business visa programs that are relatively easy to obtain. The most common is an investor visa, which requires applicants to invest a minimum of $200,000 into New Zealand. This category is open to both Mexican and Japanese citizens. Another program is designed specifically for start-ups—start-up visas require companies to raise at least $100,000 before making an application. For all business visa categories, only two people can apply per company and there are restrictions on what industries you can work in when applying under a business visa.